2009 HHR PARASITIC (PHANTOM) ELECTRICAL DRAIN, dead battery

[nedwob]

My 2009 HHR panel has a dead battery after sitting idle for only three or four days. It has been to the dealership twice and they can't find anything wrong. I believe it is a phantom drain on the battery. Yesterday this happened for the third time and I had to call road service to jump start it. I desparately need a solution to this problem. I found some information on a forum which indicates a solution might be available, but it only applies to 2007vehicles: "Recommendation/Instructions:
Note: Only apply the information to 2007 model year vehicles. A separate PI (Preliminary Investigation) has been created for the 08-09 model year
If you experience a vehicle that has an intermittent battery draw, please follow the instructions below and then review the template below that lists all related PI's and Bulletins. If it becomes necessary to contact Technical Assistance, please record the results for all the PI's and Bulletins that apply to your vehicle prior to calling."
One question is, where can I find these PI's and bulletins for the 08-09 models? My main question is, what is the solution to this problem?

[XXSS]

First off, I feel for you on this intermittent concern. Do you know if the dealer has done a parasitic draw test on the vehicle? If so, what sort of draw (mA) were they seeing and for how long? Does the vehicle have any aftermarket accessories (IE: Autostart/Alarm) installed? There are a couple of bullitens related to your concern that apply to 2006-2009 HHR's. These may or may not be the cause of your problem.....

PIC4108G: Battery Draw From The BCM 2 Fuse....Have the dealer follow this
if it has not been performed yet.

#PIT4787C: Approximate 150 To 200 mA Draw From The Power Steering Control Module. Another option to try?

Good starting points if they have not been done so far.

[G. Barry Stewart]

2008 HHR here, with the same problem. Every time we park the car at the airport for a week-long vacation: dead battery on our return. More aggravating: when the battery is dead and you try to start the car... you can't remove the key from the ignition! So, you have to leave the car unprotected, if you have to go anywhere to call for help. Stupid engineering.

Anyway, I finally gave up on the original battery and got a new NAPA one. The shop manager suggested putting a continuity light between one of the terminals, to test for any drain when the car is totally turned off/ doors closed, etc. The light glowed, so I proceeded to pull every fuse from the fuse box — one-at-a-time — but couldn't stop the light from glowing. (I have no under-hood light, so that wouldn't have been one of the circuits — but now I'm wondering if there are TWO bad circuits and I was only cutting one at a time? Also, is there another fuse box?)

Until I get this solved, I may have to buy one of those portable jump start units, as a back-up. That, or take our reliable 1995 Camry wagon (404,000 km) to the airport next time.

[GM Customer Service]

G. Barry, I'm sorry to hear about your frustrations! If you would ever like to involve the Customer Service team nearest you, I recommend getting in touch with GM of Canada representatives. Their contact information can be found on http://www.gm.ca/gm/english/corporat...actus/overview!

Best,

Katie
GM Customer Service

[G. Barry Stewart]

Thanks Katie. I took it to Mertin GM in Chilliwack today. They put it on a parasitic draw test and it took the technician over an hour to trace it to the driver's door switch, which was giving intermittent draws. I'll be picking it up tomorrow, as they had to wait on the part. I'm wondering if the seat belt got shut against the switch at some point, slightly damaging it.

Now we can park it without worrying! I wonder if this will be nedwob's solution too.

They also replaced the left control arm, which has been noisy for some time. Pretty strange for a part like that to wear out, after only 66,000 km.

[kbg1]

My 2009 HHR panel has a dead battery after sitting idle for only three or four days. It has been to the dealership twice and they can't find anything wrong. I believe it is a phantom drain on the battery. Yesterday this happened for the third time and I had to call road service to jump start it. I desparately need a solution to this problem. I found some information on a forum which indicates a solution might be available, but it only applies to 2007vehicles: "Recommendation/Instructions:
Note: Only apply the information to 2007 model year vehicles. A separate PI (Preliminary Investigation) has been created for the 08-09 model year
If you experience a vehicle that has an intermittent battery draw, please follow the instructions below and then review the template below that lists all related PI's and Bulletins. If it becomes necessary to contact Technical Assistance, please record the results for all the PI's and Bulletins that apply to your vehicle prior to calling."
One question is, where can I find these PI's and bulletins for the 08-09 models? My main question is, what is the solution to this problem?

you should head over to www.chevyhhr.net sign up for an account and log in.
they have lists of tsb's and a complete list of what the bumper to bumper and powertrain warranty cover.
they have been an invaluable help with my hhr problems especially since its now over its warranty.

the hhr has the same front end as the cobalt/g5/ion so front end parts will be a way of life.
i really like my hhr 2lt and i had two ion's so i know about front end pieces.
my hhr will probably need control arm bushings and end links within the next 2months. clunk clunk over bumps.
jeff

[Will_L]

If they cant find it;buy an optima battery.It will fix it.I had a similar problem on my work truck "powerstroke" and it solved it.